Precious metals require — and reward — careful analysis. But analysts face various difficulties. The scope of precious metals analysis extends from trace levels to 100%. Most of these metals are resistant to dissolution by all but the strongest acids. Some traditional analytical methods like fire assay are time-consuming and demand a high level of skill.

Three modern techniques offer widely used solutions. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) and optical emission spectrometry (OES) can be used without specialist analytical training to rapidly and accurately analyze bullion, jewelry, and alloys. A variation of OES, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES),
is an ideal tool for the analysis of bulk materials such as ores, and for the determination of trace impurities.

Several instruments available from SPECTRO Analytical Instruments represent the state of the art in these techniques. This paper describes their application to precious metals analysis.

APPLIKATIONEN
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Applikationsberichte

SMA-07: The Analysis of Aluminium and its alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of aluminum and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-08: The Analysis of Iron and Steel with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of iron and steel and iron alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-09: The Analysis of Copper and its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility, as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of copper and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-13: The Analysis of Nickel and its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of nickel and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-14: The Analysis of Cobalt And Its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of cobalt and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-22: The Determination of Oxygen in Low Alloy Steel with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of iron and steel and iron alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-23: The Analysis of Magnesium And Its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of magnesium and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits and reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-24: The Analysis of Tin and Its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system on the market and uses new technologies. This leads to improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of tin and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits and reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-25: The Analysis of Lead and Its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the only hybrid system on the market employing both PMT and CCD detection technology. This leads to improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of lead and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: The lowest detection limits and fastest analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) yields fast detection of any potentially harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-31: The Analysis of Titanium And Its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of titanium and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-43: The Analysis of Precious Metals
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of precious metals. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced readout system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) yields fast detection of any potentially harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-48: Analysis of Zinc and Its Alloys with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB is the only hybrid system on the market employing both PMT and CCD detection technology. This leads to improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of zinc and its alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: The lowest detection limits and fastest analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) yields fast detection of any potentially harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-49: The Analysis of Low Alloy and Plain Carbon Steel
The SPECTROLAB is the first real hybrid system in the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility as well as short and long term stability for the analysis of low alloy and plain carbon steel. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced read-out system in combination with the new plasma generator. In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

SMA-51: The Analysis of Cast Iron (Laminar GGL-GJL – Globular GGG-GJS) with SPECTROLAB
The SPECTROLAB (LAVM11) is the first real hybrid system on the market and uses new technologies. This leads to significantly improved performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility and short and long term stability for the analysis of iron and steel and iron alloys. The instrument provides many more advantages: Lowest detection limits, reduced analysis times using the advanced readout system in combination with the new plasma generator. .
In addition to achieving the lowest detection limits, SAFT (Spark Analysis For Traces) is used to reduce interelement effects to a minimum. The variable plasma observation and, frequently, newer spectral line selections result in higher accuracy and precision of the measurements. .
SSE (Single Spark Evaluation) features a fast detection of any possible, harmful inclusion populations in the sample.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

Based on these benefits, this report provides dedicated information regarding reliable performance data for low alloy and plain carbon steel.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

Globular cast iron creates small free graphite inclusions, affected by Mg that is placed inside the ladle before the input of liquid iron. This structure provides a better tenacity and hardness. In addition to the introduction of Mg, the content of S and P is much lower.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in steel and iron and all possible alloys.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in aluminum.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in copper.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in lead.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in tin.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in zinc.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in magnesium.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in nickel.

The SPECTROLAB represents a new class of metal analyzers distinguished by improved analytical performance, greater investigative flexibility and simpler operation. The group of components that is most important for analysis – excitation source, optics and read-out system – is optimally adapted to each other; it is the superior analytical core of the new generation of arc/spark analyzer that combines performance and flexibility.

This new analyzer allows the accurate analysis of all main components and trace elements in cobalt.